The theft of guns and tactical equipment from a police unit raises alarms about security measures at SAPS facilities.
A security breach at the Ulundi K9 Unit in KwaZulu-Natal has exposed fundamental vulnerabilities in police infrastructure, following revelations that the facility operated without basic safeguards when a cache of firearms and tactical equipment was stolen.
Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia was responding to an inquiry initiated by DA NCOP Security and Justice member Mzamo Billy, who had written to the Select Committee on Security and Cluster chairperson, Jane Mananiso, prompting the committee to request the details from the minister.
Cachalia said that between February 15 and 16, one rifle, one shotgun, four pistols, 152 x 9mm live rounds, 290 x R5 live rounds, 13 handcuffs, 30 handcuff keys, five torches, three empty R5 magazines, six empty 9mm magazines, two SAPS bulletproof vests, one SAPS cap, one SAPS jacket, and two pairs of police safety boots (sizes 7 and 8) were stolen.
“All access doors to the premises were secured at the time of the incident. However, the facility was not equipped with burglar guards, and no alarm system or CCTV (internal or external) was installed,” Cachalia said.
